The Minato-gawa branch of a popular discount supermarket in the city has recently closed its doors, leaving locals surprised by the sudden shutdown. Positioned at 1-13-8 Arata-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe, the now-shuttered “Sandy” store was a bustling hub for shoppers for over 14 years. Located just a short 2-3 minute walk northeast from the Minato-gawa Koen Station, it stood prominently at the entrance of the arcade extending east to west along the main street of the Minato-gawa shopping district.
The closure took place on the evening of January 9, 2025 (Thursday), marking the end of an era for a store that had always seemed vibrant with customers at all hours. While the exact reasons for the closure remain undisclosed, there are speculations that “Sandy” is redirecting its focus towards the western areas of the city, with plans for new branches in Nishi-Kobe Chuo and along the old Shinmei area in Nishi-ku. This strategic shift hints at a concentrated effort to strengthen their presence in the western region.
The day following the closure, passersby could peek through the empty glass windows of the store, now devoid of goods and eerily quiet. Some pedestrians, unaware of the closure, would pause in front of the store with expressions of surprise and confusion. Situated within the same building as other businesses, it seems that the closure was not due to any redevelopment of the building itself.
The ripple effect of this closure might alter the usual flow of people in the area, as customers who used to combine their visits to “Sandy” with shopping at nearby stores may need to adjust their routines. The impact of this closure on the local economy and community dynamics remains to be seen. For more information, visitors can explore the official website of Sandy for updates and future developments.
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: January 14, 2025 12:39 am
